The third class in our Spring LIFE series, "Answers & Questions: Apologetics," tackles a topic that believers and non-believers alike have struggled with since the Garden of Eden: Why is there so much suffering?

Course Objectives:

1. Be able to articulate biblical, Christ-centered answers to the great spiritual objections most common in our world.

2. Learn to make a positive case for Christianity from a logical, biblical perspective that can resonate with someone outside the faith.

Course Outline:

April 11 – Answers: Is the Bible reliable?April 18 – Answers: How can there be just one way?April 25 – Answers: Why is there so much suffering?May 2 – Questions: Clues from the Natural WorldMay 9 – Questions: Clues from Logic and ReasonMay 16 – Questions: Clues from the Jesus Story

Recommended Resources:

There are so many excellent books on apologetics. I particularly recommend the following:

The Reason for Faith by Tim Keller. This is an excellent summary of both responses to specific questions about faith, and a logical framework to explain Christianity.

The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? by F.F. Bruce. First published in 1943, this short book is now in its sixth edition. It remains a seminal work and is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. This encyclopedic text is intended as a reference book for questions about apologetics.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. This classic text is a good primer on apologetics.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Lewis articulates an argument for the existence of God and the truth of Christianity as only he can.